Bill > SB176

This bill creates a state income and franchise tax exemption for grants and funding related to broadband expansion in Wisconsin. Specifically, the bill exempts income received from grants issued by the state, its political subdivisions, tribal governments, or the federal government that are designated for broadband expansion. Additionally, the bill exempts income from federal high-cost universal service program funding (established under the Federal Communications Commission's regulations) that supports broadband expansion in the state. The legislation applies to various types of tax returns, including individual, corporate, and partnership filings. An important restriction is that taxpayers cannot claim these new exemptions for the same grants or funding that have already been exempted under existing coronavirus relief fund provisions. The tax exemptions will first apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, which means the first tax year affected will be 2025. The goal of the bill appears to be encouraging broadband infrastructure development by providing tax incentives for entities receiving expansion grants and federal program funding.

Budget and Finance

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb176